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Central Texas Firefighters Deployed to Texas Panhandle
Crews from Waco, Temple, Killeen and other departments assist in wildfire prevention and fighting efforts
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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Governor Abbott has directed the Texas Department of Emergency Management to increase wildfire readiness and deploy more resources to the Texas Panhandle region. Firefighters from Waco, Temple, Killeen and volunteer departments like Robinson have made their way to the Panhandle to assist in these efforts, with some working active fires and others training while waiting for deployment.
Why it matters
The decision to pre-deploy firefighters was made due to high temperatures and strong winds in the Panhandle region, which are increasing the threat of wildfires. This proactive approach aims to have resources in place to respond quickly and effectively to any fire outbreaks.
The details
The firefighters will read the conditions and weather in the area, and the local supervisor will deploy the units as needed, with some working active fires and others training. The crews are being placed where they are most needed, with some departments like Temple Fire and Rescue training with an ambulance strike team while waiting for their turn in the field.
- On Friday, the Waco Fire Department received a request from the state to assist with resource deployments to the Panhandle and parts of South Texas.
- The firefighters will be deactivated for some downtime at night, then redeployed the next morning based on the latest updates and threat assessments.
The players
Robby Bergerson
Chief of the Waco Fire Department.
James Kubinski
Chief of the Killeen Fire Department.
Mark Engelke
Operations Battalion Chief of the Temple Fire and Rescue.
What they’re saying
“We're fortunate enough that we're attached along with an EMTF team, which is an ambulance strike team. So, we do train every day together and train on things that we don't get to train on back home. So, when we get out here, we're proficient in those things.”
— Mark Engelke, Operations Battalion Chief, Temple Fire and Rescue (kwtx.com)
“Personally, I think it's made a heck of difference. They're able to put resources quicker on these fires and I think it's proven that it's worked.”
— Mark Engelke, Operations Battalion Chief, Temple Fire and Rescue (kwtx.com)
“I can confidently say that Bell County is very well protected if we have those conditions hir our area. We haven't yet but we know they're coming. We have enough resources here as well, along with being able to help the rest of the State.”
— James Kubinski, Chief, Killeen Fire Department (kwtx.com)
What’s next
The central Texas firefighters will remain deployed to the Texas Panhandle as long as they are needed to assist with wildfire prevention and fighting efforts in the region.
The takeaway
This proactive deployment of firefighting resources from central Texas to the Panhandle highlights the importance of regional cooperation and coordination in preparing for and responding to natural disasters like wildfires. By having personnel and equipment pre-positioned, the state can react more quickly and effectively to emerging threats, potentially saving lives and property.
